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Abstract:

A microprocessor controlled medical laser device that has a precise laser
beam alignment system indicated by a series of sequentially color
changing LEDS. The power management system adjusts the LED'S power input
so as maximize battery life, increasing it by up to six times. It's
alignment is enabled by a triaxial accelerometer that may be accurately
calibrated horizontally or to a plethora of angles relative to the
horizontal axis. It is shock resistant and times out to turn the laser
off after a predetermined time.

Claims:

1. A microprocessor controlled medical laser device comprising: a case
comprised of an front half casing and a back half casing; a printed
circuit board that serves to rigidly house and keep in electrical
connectivity a triaxial accelerometer, a microprocessor, a DC power
source, a laser diode, at least one dual color LED, a connection port and
a power switch; wherein said printed circuit board is rigidly mounted in
a centrally spaced configuration inside said case.

2. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 1 wherein
the number of LEDS is three.

3. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 2 wherein
said triaxial accelerometer generates and sends an electronic signal to
said microprocessor that is translated into the relative axial horizontal
position of the device, and said microprocessor applies an algorithm
based on said position to generate and send electronic instructions to
each LED that effects what color the LED emits.

4. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 3 wherein
the color the LED emits is determined by the deviance said device resides
from said axial horizontal position.

5. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 4 wherein
the deviance of said laser device from said axial horizontal position
that causes said microprocessor to generate and send a signal for a first
LED to change its color is one-half a degree.

6. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 5 wherein
the deviance of said laser device from said axial horizontal position
that causes said microprocessor to generate and send a signal for a
second LED to change its color is one-fourth a degree.

7. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 6 wherein
the deviance of said laser device from said axial horizontal position
that causes said microprocessor to generate and send a signal for a third
LED to change its color is one-eighth a degree.

8. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 1 further
comprising three light tubes affixed to said front half casing and
positioned so as to each have a first end adjacent to a said LED and a
second end extending into a LED orifice formed through the front half
casing so as to project a light of the LED outside of said casing.

9. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 1 further
comprising: a bracket removably affixed about the periphery of an orifice
formed centrally through said back half casing.

10. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 1 wherein
said laser diode on said printed circuit board resides adjacent an
opening in said case so as to allow a laser light beam generated by said
laser diode to extend there through.

12. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 11
wherein said microprocessor has a power management system that regulates
the power that is sent to regulate the intensity of the laser light beam
generated by said laser diode.

13. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 11
wherein said microprocessor's said power management system monitors
remaining power of said DC power source and generates a visual alert of
flashing LEDS when said remaining power drops below a preset level.

14. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 9 wherein
said bracket has an attachment device thereon adapted for mechanical
engagement about said periphery of said orifice, made of a circular
arrangement containing snap hooks with angled locking teeth that flex
slightly inward when passed through said orifice and then flex back to
their original position such that the angled lock tooth on each of the
snap hooks engages behind the orifice.

15. The microprocessor controlled medical laser device of claim 9 wherein
circular arrangement also contains preload tabs with stiffening supports,
said preload tabs adapted to provide frictional resistance in said
orifice for the rotation of the bracket.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a laser device that will enable
the precise vertical positioning of a plethora of medical sensors,
drainage systems, intubation systems, intravenous devices, catheters and
the like with respect to a specific point on the patient's anatomy. This
specific point may be the heart, the brain, a PIC line insertion point,
or a drainage line insertion point.

[0002] Precise measurement of a patients vital statistics is critical with
very small changes in pressure due to elevation, often having dramatic
effects of drainage or supply rates, monitored pressures, static pressure
scales, etc. The accurate positioning of the related sensors, scales,
fluid lines and the such with respect to elevation the patient's body has
heretofore been done with laser beams coupled to crude leveling devices.
The battery life of these devices is generally short as the laser light's
power output far exceeds what is actually needed for short range
leveling. Further these early devices are susceptible to loss of accuracy
by the initial calibration process, the eye of the user, the illumination
of the room and from sharp impacts. Additionally, the connection of these
devices to the vast array of different medical suppliers equipment and
supports is problematic. Lastly, many of the prior art leveling systems
are not designed to be used on either side of the patient and cannot be
recalibrated.

[0003] None of the existing prior art systems allow for angular use such
as would be helpful for the specific angular alignment of patient's
anatomy while they go through an X-ray machine, and MRI scanner or a CAT
scanner.

[0004] Henceforth, a medical laser device that could overcome the
described downfalls of the prior art would fulfill a long felt need in
the medical industry. This new invention utilizes and combines known and
new technologies in a unique and novel configuration to overcome the
aforementioned problems and accomplish this.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a laser device
for the accurate and precise alignment of medical devices to a specific
point on the patient's body.

[0006] It has many of the advantages mentioned heretofore and many novel
features that result in a new medical laser alignment system which is not
anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the
prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0007] In accordance with the invention, an object of the present
invention is to provide an improved medical laser alignment system
capable of detachment and reuse on disposable medical drain/drip systems.

[0008] It is another object of this invention to provide an improved
medical laser alignment system capable of bidirectional horizontal
indication by rotation of the laser about a pivot point.

[0009] It is an object of this invention to provide a medical laser
alignment system that uses a multiple zero reference for the setting of
the triaxial accelerometer's reference accuracy.

[0010] It is a further object of this invention to provide a medical laser
alignment system that orientates its horizontal axis of illumination to
the zero reference point of a triaxial accelerometer.

[0011] It is still a further object of this invention to provide for a
rotatable medical laser alignment system that allows leveling for a
horizontal laser light beam projection by a set of easy to see indicator
lights rather than by a crude bubble level.

[0012] It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a compact,
reliable medical laser alignment system that has programable accuracy,
power saving features, a low battery alarm and which can be programmed
such that the zero reference point of its triaxial accelerometer may be
set to calibrate the laser light beam for a plethora of angles with
respect to the horizontal.

[0013] The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed
out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this
specification. However, both the organization and method of operation,
together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be
understood by reference to the following description taken in connection
with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to
like elements. Other objects, features and aspects of the present
invention are discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the medical laser device;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the medical laser device with
a first bracket rotated;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of the medical laser device;

[0017]FIG. 4 is an end view of the medical laser device with the first
bracket installed;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a side view of the medical laser device with the first
bracket installed;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a front perspective assembly view of the medical laser
device showing the location of all the key elements;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a rear perspective assembly view of the medical laser
device showing the location of all the key elements;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the generic rotatable quick change
attachment mechanism as formed on the front of the second alternate
embodiment bracket;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the back of the second alternate
embodiment bracket; and

[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the mounting orifice in the
case bottom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important
features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof
that follows may be better understood and in order that the present
contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,
additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter
and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0025] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the
invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not
limited in its application to the details of construction and to the
arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also,
it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as
limiting.

[0026] When discussing three dimensional coordinates herein, Cartesian
coordinates are used. Thus for any particular point, there is an x, y,
and z coordinate, which typically correspond to how far the object is
left and right, forward and back, and up and down respectively.

[0027] The medical laser device described herein enables the precise
positioning of a plethora of medical sensors, drainage systems,
intubation systems, intravenous devices, catheters and the like with
respect to a specific point on the patient's anatomy. For example, in
many medical procedures a catheter connected to either a drainage bag or
a drip bag is inserted into an opening in the human body for pressure
monitoring, or the addition or removal of fluids. This is commonly done
in the patient's intracranial, intravascular, intracardiac,
intrapulmonary or intrafascial compartments. The pressure at the point of
the opening is often critical, as the differential pressure between this
and the fluid level in the bag is the motive force for the movement of
the fluids. For this fluid movement to be accomplished at a controlled
rate, the differential pressure between the insertion point and the bag's
fluid level must be accurately known. This requires that a precise
vertical alignment of the "zero point" on the static pressure scale of
the bag be made. This is accomplished through the vertical alignment of a
horizontal laser beam with the insertion point of the catheter. In
another medical procedure it is typical to have the patient's head angled
at approximately 30° with respect to the horizontal axis when the
patient passes through a horizontal CAT scanner. This is accomplished by
alignment of the patient's head with an angular laser beam calibrated to
30° and positioned on the bedway of the CAT scanner.

[0028] Looking at FIGS. 1 and 2 the front face and operational side of the
case top 3 of the microprocessor controlled medical laser device 2 can
best be seen. The case is a two part assembly made of a case top 3 and a
case bottom 5. The "ON" tab 4 is simply a U shaped cutout on the front
face of the case top 3 of the laser device 2 that is able to elastically
deform and flex inwards to contact the "ON" switch on the internal
printed circuit board (PCB) that activates the laser diode. There is no
"OFF" control of this switch as this is accomplished by a timed operation
(generally set for the 30 to 40 second range) of the microprocessor. The
laser diode 8 resides on the side of the PCB in alignment with the laser
orifice 6 so as to allow the laser light beam 10 to project from the side
of the case 3. The top ends of three light tubes 12 extend into three
orifices cut into the case top 3. The bottom ends of these light tubes
reside adjacent to three multicolor LEDs on the PCB. A first mounting
bracket 14 is pivotally affixed to the case back 5.

[0029] In operation, the user need only affix the proper mounting bracket
to the case back 5, attach the mounting bracket onto the piece of
associated equipment or support pole, depress the "ON" tab 4, point the
laser light beam 10 to the desired spot on the patient while tilting the
device 2 in the z axis until all three of the LEDS have sequentially
changed from red to solid green, and then affixing the laser device 2 and
associated equipment at this elevation.

[0030] Looking at FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 it can be seen that the laser device 2
is generally rectangular with a thin profile where the laser light beam
10 projects centrally from one side. The bracket 14 is shorter than the
device 2 and attaches centrally to the laser device 2.

[0031] The body of the laser device 2 generally resides such that during
normal operation, its longitudinal axis lies in the YZ or XZ (vertical)
planes (its longitudinal axis is parallel to the Z axis) so that its
laser light beam 10 projects normally (parallel to the XY plane)
therefrom in the XY (horizontal) plane. It is free to rotate about the X
or Y axis in this configuration.

[0032] FIGS. 6 and 7 show disassembled laser devices 2. The components are
organized left to right in their order of disassembly from the case top 3
to the case bottom 5 (FIG. 6) and in their order of disassembly from the
case bottom 5 to the case top 3 (FIG. 7). The PCB 16 houses all of the
functional components and is held in a spaced configuration within the
case top 3 and case bottom 5 by a set of screws threadingly affixed in
the aligned corner sockets 18 of the case's halves, passing through
positioning orifices 19 in the corners of the PCB 16. When assembled, the
PCB aligns within the case such that the laser diode 8 resides adjacent
the laser orifice 6, the "ON" switch resided directly beneath the "ON"
tab 4 and the light tubes 30 have their bottom ends directly over the top
surface of the LEDS 22 and their top ends 12 extending through three
orifices cut into the case top 3. These three externally polished light
tubes direct the LEDS' light to the surface of the laser device 2 through
a torturous bending path. These light tubes 30 are rigidly affixed to the
inside surface of the case top 3.

[0034] A triaxial accelerometer was selected for its three orthogonal
internal sensing elements to enable simultaneous multi-axis measurements
in the x, y, and z-axes.

[0035] The microprocessor 24 has a flash memory, a real time clock, a
timer, a power output adjustment (the laser diode is rated to operate at
a maximum of a 1 milliwatt but the microprocessor limits the power input
to the laser diode at 0.5-0.9 milliwatt to reduce power consumption since
the laser beam generally only extends a max of 10 feet) a multiple zero
reference, (for laser accuracy) a voltage reference turn off, (for
battery low power operation) and a low power visual alert (when battery
voltage drops below a preset lower limit the accuracy of the
accelerometer begins to decline so the microprocessor makes all three red
LEDS blink signaling the need for a battery change.) A connector socket
32 allows for signal connectivity between the microprocessor 24 and the
programing and calibration equipment as well as for the connection of a
monitor for the visual display of the microprocessor outputs. Using this
connector socket 32 a two digit lcd screen may be attached that will
provide a visual user interface to indicate the angle of the laser light
beam with respect to the horizontal XY plane. The triaxial accelerometer
26 is rigidly mounted to the PCB 16 as is the laser diode 8 such that
hard knocks will not disturb the accuracy of the laser device 2.
Recalibration is not necessary after the initial set up has been
accomplished.

[0036] In the assembly of the laser device's PCB 16 the laser diode 8 is
generally aligned to emit the laser light beam 10 perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the PCB 16 (which has its longitudinal axis in line
with the longitudinal axis of the device's case. (This is done by
physical alignment with precise mechanical jigs.) To accomplish this the
PCB 16 is put into a jig that holds its longitudinal axis parallel to the
Z axis. The jig has a set of spring loaded programing connections
(terminals) that matingly contact the programming terminals of the
connector socket 32 for the microprocessor 24 on the PCB 16. The laser
diode 8 is energized so as to shoot the laser light beam 10 approximately
horizontal (in the XY plane) and project it onto a first reference point
some distance away. (approximately 1 meter) If the laser light beam 10
does not shine on this reference point then the laser diode is
mechanically adjusted (by altering the hard soldered power connectors
that affix the laser diode 8 to the PCB 16) until it does. Then the
programming unit applies the correct algorithms to determine a first zero
point reading. The laser device 2 is then rotated 180 degrees such that
its longitudinal axis still resides parallel to the Z axis. This
procedure is repeated with respect to a second reference point at the
same vertical elevation. The programing unit applies algorithms that uses
these first and second readings to establish a true zero point reading
for the triaxial accelerometer's reference grid and inputs this value to
the microprocessor. (Thus when the triaxial accelerometer 26 sends a
signal to the microprocessor 24 that the laser device 2 is positioned at
this zero point, the laser light beam 10 is projecting horizontally or it
is "level".) Since the triaxial accelerometer 26 and the laser diode 8
are both mechanically fixed on the PCB 16 this calibration is good for
the life of the laser device 2. The microprocessor 24 selectively changes
the color of the LEDS 22 from red to green as the signal from the
triaxial accelerometer 26 indicates that it is approaching the zero
point. The LEDS 22 are arranged in a row of three. The LED 22 nearest the
laser diode 8 goes from red to green when the longitudinal axis of the
laser device 2 is within 1/2th of a degree plus or minus of the zero
point. The middle LED goes from red to green when the longitudinal axis
of the laser device 2 is within 1/4 of a degree plus or minus of the zero
point. The light furthest the laser diode 8 goes from red to green when
the longitudinal axis of the laser device 2 is within 1/8th of a degree
plus or minus of the zero point. Accordingly, when all three LEDS 22 have
changed from red to green and remain solid green the laser light beam 10
will also be projecting at 1/8th of a degree plus or minus of the
horizontal axis. In an alternate, lower costing embodiment, one of the
end three lights will always be green if the beam is not level, and the
remaining two lights will both turn from red to green when the device 2
is less than 1/2 of a degree horizontal. It should be noted that other
timing/indication configurations are well know in the art and could be
utilized without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0037] Simply stated, the triaxial accelerometer generates and sends an
electronic signal to the microprocessor 24 that represents the axial
position of the laser device 2 relative to the horizontal X or Y axis.
Then the microprocessor 24 applies an algorithm based on this position
and generates and sends an electronic instruction that determines what
color each LED 22 emits.

[0038] It is to be noted that the laser device 2 in a similar fashion to
that explained above, may be calibrated so as to adjust the zero
reference scale of the triaxial accelerometer 26 to any desired
horizontal angle so that the laser unit may be used to align any device
to a set angle without the use of a visual display connected to the
device 2 through the connection socket 32 as discussed above. This is a
handy feature that finds a plethora of applications outside of the
medical industry.

[0039] Looking at FIGS. 6, 8, 9 and 10 the design and configuration of the
attachment mechanism can best be seen on two different mounting brackets
and its operation explained. The attachment mechanism may be fabricated
onto any style of removable bracket to accommodate different medical
device's mounting plates. For example, the round bracket 60 has a
reinforced central section 75 that accommodates a threaded insert 76 that
allows the bolted attachment of any bracket or device. The first mounting
bracket 14 has a specific configuration for sliding engagement with a
certain manufacturer's device. The attachment mechanism allows each
bracket to be self tightening and additionally, interchangability of
brackets is of a quick change, self adjusting style. Looking at FIG. 8,
the attachment mechanism has a total of 8 projections arranged in a
circular fashion that extend normally from the face of the round bracket
60. There are 4 preloaded tabs 62 and 4 snap hooks 64 that are equally
interspersed. Where there is a need to hold the laser device 2 in very
tight locations there is a recess on the back side of the bracket that
holds a double sided adhesive patch.

[0040] Looking at FIG. 10 it can be seen that the circular mounting
orifice 66 has an outer beveled peripherial ring 70 residing centrally
about the orifice 66. When the bracket 60 is being pressed into the
orifice 66, the beveled ring 70 acts to guide the snap hooks 64 such that
they flex slightly inward (elastically deform) as they pass through the
orifice 66 and then flex back to their original position such that the
angled lock tooth 72 on each of the four snap hooks 70 engages behind the
orifice 68 once the lock tooth 72 passes beyond the trailing edge 68,
thereby constraining the bracket 60 to the laser device's bottom case 5.
The four preload tabs 62 bear against the central raised flange 70 to
provide frictional resistance for the rotation of the bracket 60 in the
orifice 66 and to stabilize the bracket 60 with respect to the bottom
case 5. Each of the preload tabs 62 have stiffening or strengthening
supports 74 to allow for repeated flexing without breaking or loss of
tensioning ability. Only one of the snap hooks 64 has such a
strengthening support 74. (FIG. 8) Testing has shown that one of the tabs
historically has failed and requires the tab. Engagement of any bracket
bearing the attachment mechanism to the bottom case 5 is accomplished by
simply pressing, centrally, the two parts together. Removal is
accomplished by pulling the bracket off from a single, off centered point
on the bracket. Once engaged the bracket can be freely rotated with
respect to the laser device 2 yet there is enough friction exerted
between the 8 projections of the attachment mechanism and the orifice 66
to hold the device 2 in any orientation.

[0041] The obvious advantages of the microprocessor controlled medical
laser device is that it is fast and easy to use with a high level of
accuracy and reliability that is shock resistant and can be used by
people with poor vision. It is capable of calibration for any desired
angle, quick attachment to a plethora of mounting brackets, and has an
extended battery life that lasts up to 6 times longer because of the
lowered LED power output as managed by the microprocessor.

[0042] The above description will enable any person skilled in the art to
make and use this invention. It also sets forth the best modes for
carrying out this invention. There are numerous variations and
modifications thereof that will also remain readily apparent to others
skilled in the art, now that the general principles of the present
invention have been disclosed. As such, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may
readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures,
methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as
including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart
from the spirit and scope of the present invention.